Links:

Survival Research Lab:

Flame

Hovercraft

Pitching Machine

Boeing Jet

"Survival Research Laboratories was conceived of and founded by Mark Pauline in November 1978. Since its inception, the group has operated as an organization of creative technicians dedicated to re-directing the techniques, tools, and tenets of industry, science, and the military away from their typical manifestations in practicality, product or warfare. Since 1979, SRL has staged over 45 mechanized presentations in the United States and Europe. Each performance consists of a unique set of ritualized interactions between machines, robots, and special effects devices, employed in developing themes of socio-political satire. Humans are present only as audience or operators."

The Pitching Machine is arguably the most dangerous machine fabricated by the SRL. This device launches 6 foot 2"x4"s at a velocity of 120 m.p.h.. This provides a calculated range of 800 ft. It is equipped with an automatic loading system holding 20 boards and is powered by a 500 cubic inch El Dorado engine.

The Boeing Jet was modified for the Austin event by the addition of a large police whistle. Fuel injectors were added along with an ignition system, therby creating the loudest flamethrower in history.